Review: Uni-Ball Hard Lock 3 Color 0.7 mm Ballpoint Multi Pen

The Uni-Ball Hard Lock is your standard issue ballpoint multi pen with one interesting twist - a powerful clip that will clamp on to just about anything. The full explanation from JetPens (and more pictures):

Active people such as those in construction, medicine, transportation and law enforcement need a pen that will stick with them at all times. The Uni Hard Lock solves the dilemma of lost pens with its powerful clip that can clamp onto everything from blouses, shirt pockets, jacket pockets, lanyards and notebooks. When unlocked, the pen can be clipped and unclipped as usual. But with a simple flip of a switch located on the top of the cap, the pen clamps down tight like alligator jaws and won't let you go. It will stay exactly where you put it!

I figured for such a hardcore pen, I had no choice but to order it in pink, right? That would make for pretty interesting viewing if I rolled out to a construction site with this pen in tow. As far as performance goes it is fine, but there are a couple of things lacking if this pen is to be used as intended. First of all, the grip is way too slick if I am using this pen outside and getting it all dirty and sweaty. As I mentioned in the written review, this should be the tackiest, most gnarly grip around to better fit the use of the pen. Secondly, Uni-Ball needs to use Jetstream ink in any ballpoint pen they make. I understand there is likely a cost difference, but I would gladly pay $1.00 more on this $5.25 pen for better ink cartridges. These are just standard issue ballpoints.

Overall, this is a cool pen, and a good value. I'll probably add it to my toolbox and use it outdoors just to see how it performs in the wild.